Twelve children forced into street begging were rescued by police in Imo State last week.
A 42-year-old woman accused of leading the trafficking ring was arrested during a routine check.
The Imo State Police Command has rescued 12 minors and arrested a 42-year-old woman, Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, suspected to be the leader of a child trafficking syndicate operating in the region.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned all acts of child trafficking and assured that the Command remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child in the state.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, in a statement released Sunday evening, said Enyenwa was arrested on June 20 during a stop-and-search operation carried out along the Owerri-Aba Expressway. She is a resident of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
Okoye explained that Enyenwa’s arrest led to the uncovering of a network that allegedly trafficked children from Imo State to Aba in Abia State, where they were forced to beg on the streets. The children were reportedly made to send the proceeds of their begging to a facility known as Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Rivers State, where the suspect claimed she worked.
“The Imo State Police Command, through an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation, has arrested one Ann Ngozi Enyenwa, 42 years old, of Umudim Ohekelem in Ngor-Okpala LGA, and rescued twelve suspected stolen children on 20th June 2025 along the Owerri-Aba Express Road. This arrest led to the uncovering of a disturbing child trafficking network that exploited minors for street begging in Aba, Abia State,” Okoye said.
He added, “Upon her arrest, the suspect was found with several children whose appearance and condition immediately aroused suspicion. Consequently, the case was referred to the IGP X-Squad Unit for discreet investigation. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to trafficking children from Ngor-Okpala LGA to Aba, where they were coerced into street begging. She further disclosed that proceeds from their activities were allegedly sent to Shalom Motherless Babies Home in Okenyi, Eche LGA, Rivers State, where she claimed to be employed.”
Twelve children, aged between 5 and 13, were rescued during the operation. The names released by the police include Chinyere Nnaralaeze (10), Favour Madufor (13), Ugochi Pius (13), Ifeanyi Pius (9), Favour Timothy (10), Solomon Ihechi Chinuike (7), Chinaza Madufor (10), Nneoma Timothy (9), Promise Maduenyenwa (5), Gospel Chibuike (9), Chinedu Maduenyiwa (11), and Chinonso Paul (10). All the children are believed to be from various communities within Ngor-Okpala LGA.
Okoye said the children are currently in safe custody and that the police are working with relevant agencies to identify and reunite them with their families.
He called on members of the public who may recognize any of the rescued children or have useful information about their families to assist the police.
“The Command urges members of the public who recognize any of the rescued children or have helpful information about their identities or families to come forward and assist the Police. Reports can be made at the X-Squad Unit or via the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 or 0816 008 7155,” he added.
Investigations into the case are ongoing, and further updates will be shared as the situation develops.
